This new app makes finding an apartment in Austin easier — and cheaper

This new app makes finding an apartment in Austin easier — and cheaper

Apartment hunting in Austin can be a challenge, but now there's an app for that. HomeMe, a mobile service that pre-approves renters for apartments, launched in Austin this week.

"With Austin being a tech savvy market, it was the logical next step for us to expand to this city," said president and CEO Mark Douglas in a press release. "We look forward to making pre-approvals the industry standard in how you search for an apartment."

A pre-approval streamlines the rental process, allowing renters to forgo multiple application fees and credit checks at each property. Users simply provide their annual income and social security number up front, and HomeMe conducts a single credit check. The best part? It's free.

The app also allows Austinites to search available apartment listings and book visits with property managers. According to HomeMe, 98 percent of current local listings can be viewed in the app. Users can also keep track of their favorite apartments and viewing schedules, as well as securely store financial information.

The Los Angeles-based company targeted Houston, one of the largest and most lucrative rental markets in the country, for its initial launch in February 2016 and is planning rapid Texas expansion after securing $3.2 million in funding. HomeMe plans to launch in Dallas and San Antonio later this month.

The app is now available for download on iPhones; an Android version is coming soon.